Boating cases follow different rules.I know how these claims get defended.
Weekend traffic on the bay, the Hillsborough River, and around Apollo Beach and Davis Islands brings inexperienced operators, alcohol, and speed together.
When someone gets hurt on a boat or jet ski, the questions are different. Which law applies? Who owns the boat? Is there any insurance? Getting those answers early can decide your case.
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The things people ask first.
You can recover if you are 50% or less at fault. Your award is reduced by your share. Fla. Stat. § 768.81
No fees or costs unless we win. Your consultation is free.
On the bay, the river, and the Gulf.
Collisions with other boats, docks, or channel markers.
Sudden turns, wakes, and reckless operators.
Personal watercraft and rental crashes.
Fishing charters and tour boat injuries.
Swimmers, divers, tubers, and water skiers.
Operating impaired is a crime, and it strengthens your claim.
I find coverage. Florida doesn’t require most boat owners to carry insurance. I look at boat, homeowner’s, umbrella, rental, and charter coverage.
I answer the blame. Insurers blame passengers for where they sat, what they drank, or no life jacket. I answer with evidence.
I move fast. Boats get repaired, sold, or moved out of state. Witnesses are strangers on other boats.
I’m ready for trial. I tried 20 jury trials as a prosecutor and have handled 500+ litigated cases. I prepare every case like it’s going in front of a jury, and I’ll take it there if that’s what it takes.
Owners can be responsible. Florida treats vessels as dangerous instrumentalities. Fla. Stat. § 327.32
Boater education. Operators born on or after January 1, 1988 need a boating safety education ID for 10 horsepower or more. Fla. Stat. § 327.395
Boating under the influence. Operating impaired is a crime, just like DUI. Fla. Stat. § 327.35
Federal maritime law may apply. On navigable waters, deadlines and rules can differ from a normal Florida injury case.
No PIP on the water. Your car’s PIP doesn’t cover boating injuries.
Steps that protect your claim.
The claim is usually paid by their boat or homeowner’s insurance, not out of their pocket.
Possibly. There may be a homeowner’s or umbrella policy. Let me look.
The operator, the rental company, or both.
It depends on whether Florida or federal maritime law applies. Call early.
Nothing unless we win. No fees or costs upfront.
Every case is handled by me. Not assistants, case managers, or call centers.
Catastrophic injury · Brain injury · Wrongful death
Written by Jacob Gordon, Florida Bar No. 125004 · Updated October 2026